D.C. Softball POY: Sarah Ing

A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade Softball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011-12 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For her 48 fellow Gatorade State Softball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Sarah Ing

THE BASICS

School: National Cathedral School (Washington, D.C.)

Grade: Sophomore

Position: Right-handed pitcher

Height: 5-foot-5

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Ing led the Eagles to a 12-5 record, the Independent School League Class A championship and the Best of D.C. Tournament title game this past season. A D.C. Softball Classic All-Star Game selection, she posted an 11-4 record in the circle with a 1.61 ERA and 154 strikeouts against 37 walks in 87 innings pitched. Also an All-ISL Class A selection, Ing batted .491 with three home runs and 28 RBI in 2012, producing a .772 slugging percentage and .508 on-base percentage.

Academic excellence: Ing has maintained a 3.29 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: An accomplished pianist and a writer for the school newspaper, she has also volunteered on behalf of her church’s youth group and Operation Smile. Ing plans to intern for the U.S. Congress this summer and will serve as both class vice president and a student ambassador in her junior year of high school.

THE PRAISE

“Sarah Ing is an incredible competitor, both mentally and physically,” said National Cathedral head coach Anya Adams. “She always comes prepared to practices and games to do her absolute best and leaves everything on the field. I have never heard Sarah even utter a negative word. No matter what the situation is she stays positive, works harder, and gets the job done.”